MCQ Detailed View

The cat family (Felidae) consists of many wild species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, and tigers. Among all these big cats, the tiger (Panthera tigris) is the largest species in the Felidae family.

Tigers are powerful carnivorous mammals native to Asia, primarily found in countries like India, Russia, China, and Southeast Asia. An adult male tiger can measure up to 3.3 meters (11 feet) in length, including the tail, and weigh up to 300 kilograms (660 pounds), depending on the subspecies. The Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is the largest among all tiger subspecies.

Tigers are known for their distinctive orange coat with black stripes, muscular build, and exceptional strength. They are apex predators, feeding on large animals like deer, wild boar, and buffalo. Their size and hunting ability make them dominant hunters in their habitat.

Comparatively:

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  Lions (Panthera leo) are slightly smaller, with males weighing around 190–250 kg on average. Lions are known as the "king of beasts" because of their social behavior and dominance, not because of size.

  
  


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  Leopards (Panthera pardus) are much smaller, averaging 50–90 kg, adapted for climbing trees and stealth hunting.

  
  


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  None is incorrect, as tigers are scientifically recognized as the biggest cats in the world.

  
  

This makes the tiger the undisputed largest member of the cat family, both in body length and weight. Understanding this fact helps students differentiate species based on their physical characteristics and ecological roles.

Hence, the correct answer is Tiger (Option A).